A new way capturing the energy from the Sun could increase the power generated by solar panels tenfold, a team of American scientists has shown. The new technique involves coating glass with a specific mixture of transparent dyes which redirect light to photovoltaic cells in the frame.
The Sharp LumiWall is composed of 2 layers of glass with a thin film solar panel in between. The solar panel collects solar energy and conserves it until things get dark which is when the panel begins to glow. We could compare this to one of those glow in the dark plastic molds we used to find in boxes of cereal or even glow in the dark stickers. However, this is a much more advanced product.
Uses for LumiWall include a permanent shade, as the solar film is dark in the light, as well as a glow light source when it is dark. The product is still slightly transparent but for those that do not require a see-through window but do have a need for an abundant light source, this may be a possible solution.
A major British electrical retailer is selling solar panels in high street shops for the first time.
Currys has launched a pilot scheme in three of its stores selling the off-the-shelf green technology. Shoppers in West Thurrock, Essex, and Fulham and Croydon in Greater London will be able to snap up the £1,000 ($1,900) panels, manufactured by Sharp. An installed system that could halve the electricity bill of a typical three bedroom home costs £9,000.